R20 - Trip to the BFI

On the 5th February we went on a trip to the BFI to to learn more about film posters and trailers. We analysed them and looked at mise-en-scene, camera shots and sound into more detail. For example, one film poster we looked at was a poster for the film 'Submarine'.   

                                                     

There were a lot of interesting observations about this poster including the representation of the colours used. E.g, the blue could represent the person on the poster "drowning" in their problems, troubles they're facing in life. Also, at the top of the poster features the name of the actor Ben Stiller. Anyone who knows him or is familiar with his work would be interested in this film as his name is mentioned. 

Alongside posters we also learned a few conventions and why some films are successful. Following the success of the new Star Wars film (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) a few things were mentioned about the genre, such as why it was a huge success. For example, it is a sci-fi and action film. For many people films like Stars Wars are an escape film and there is the pleasure of getting lost in made up, fantasy worlds, stories and characters. This particular film has an older audience. However, the special effects and music would attract younger audiences as the high use of technology appeals more to the younger generation. 

As well as Star Wars we looked at 'The Inbetweeners 2' which was also a success. Reasons why were because it is a comedy genre which is ranked as the most successful genre in film since 1995-2016 (http://www.the-numbers.com/market/genres). Also, it was a TV series which is an intertextual link and the use of sexual innuendos, which in the world of advertising 'sex sells'. 

This has helped me think about the way I make the radio trailer and poster for my short horror film. As the trailer is an audio visual I have thought about how I can make it appealing to my target audience. As for the poster, I've thought more into details in how it can look to relate to the gothic horror genre and what i can add, improve to make it look attractive.